THE INK is guided by the principles of factual, balanced, fair and objective reporting.

Thursday, 17 September 2015

Samuel Udokoh: A man beckoned by history

BY OFONIME UDOTU

Like Prophet Samuel in the Holy Book of books who had a message
of liberation for Israel, Barr. Samuel Udokoh has a mission and vision
for his people – a date with destiny. Indeed, Ukanafun is his cradle and
humanity his constituency. He is inspired and directed to make a
difference in the lives of Ukanafun people who have been incapacitated
by some complicated political plagues and pangs of penury, to herald
momentum of progress and development. Of course poverty is no disgrace,
but it is a great inconvenience as the devil dances in an empty pocket.

Barr.
Udokoh is deeply perturbed by the lot of his people that has done a
collateral damage to their political psyche. At different fora, he has
appealed to his people to close ranks and work together for a better
Ukanafun. Under Udokoh, the waifs and strays, the vagabond and other
idle minds have been gainfully engaged by the council as they work on
breakneck speed to ensure projects-delivery on schedule.

As
soon as he was sworn-in as the Transition Chairman of the agro-cum-oil
rich local government area, Udokoh who is decked in the costume of
humility and respect for people expressed his determination to invest
his robust commitment and youthful energy to the service of his people.
He hit the ground running by giving a fresh sense of decency to the
council headquarters which hitherto was overgrown with weeds. Thus
giving credence to the fact that cleanliness is next to Godliness. In
the same spirit, he has completed the plastering of the perimeter fence
of the council headquarters complete with protectors as painting is
underway.

As
if that was not enough, the Transition Chairman has assured the staff
that the backlog of their entitlements which have not been paid for
about three years will be paid soon. The casual workers have been
audited to ensure that they smile home with their dues.

At
the maiden meeting with the staff of the council, Udokoh had reiterated
his resolve to work with them as partners in progress, to enhance
harmonious working relationship which would engender dividends-
delivery. Speaking on Monday, September 7, during solemn assembly, the
Transition Chairman emphasized his administration’s commitment to make a
difference – some development projects to be pointed at. He assured the
staff that during the once-in-a-month event that the council
headquarters and its environs would soon enjoy steady power supply. This
is even more melodious as the council under him has acquired brand new
transformers to bid farewell to era of “dark light.” He maintained that
regular power supply would improve the economic fortunes of the people
who are on transition to a period of Industrial Revolution, wealth
creation and sustainable development championed by Governor Udom
Emmanuel administration. It is hoped that the “Japanization” of Akwa
Ibom State would replicate the wonders of the “Asian Tigers” in the
state and “trafficate” the path to the prospect of prosperity as
equitable solution to economic doldrums which has characterised the
daily existence of the majority.

Besides,
Udokoh has repeatedly pledged his unflinching loyalty and support to
Emmanuel administration, just like the good people of Ukanafun, who have
not diluted their commitment to the state chief executive.

As
a man of purpose and goodwill, Udokoh who is fashioned on the fortress
of forthrightness has synergized with well-meaning youths, women groups,
elders and political stakeholders in his all-inclusive administration
for auspicious manifestation of his epochal vision. He has advised his
people to discard their differences, real or imagined, and turn over a
new leaf so that the needed peace and unity can prevail; adding that to
achieve this, the people have to pray more and generate peace within
them even as he called for seismic spiritual surgery on satanic sierras.
He assured them that the Triple Prayer Team of Udom Intercessors for
Christ, Intercessors for Annang-land and NULGE Solemn Assembly would
receive the council’s support as they continue to draw the government
and the people to God. The clerics also prayed against pull-him-down
syndrome and clannishness that have impeded the holistic emancipation of
Ukanafun people from the bondage of pervasive parochialism.

In
an interaction with this reporter, the Chairman of the National Union
of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Ukanafun Chapter, Comrade Monday
Abaak described the Transition Chairman as a man of the people who is
sensitive to their plight, explaining that when the righteous rule, the
people rejoice and expressed the readiness of NULGE to maintain
industrial harmony with the labour-friendly Chairman.

The
Transition Chairman cut his political wisdom teeth in 2012 when he was
appointed Supervisory Councillor for Agriculture and Natural Resources
by Ukanafun Local Government Council. An administrative Officer with the
Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC), Udokoh
obtained a degree in Law from the University of Uyo, Uniuyo in 2010 and
was called to the Bar at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos. He had his
early education at Bishop Clarks Central School and secondary school at
the prestigious Holy Family College, all in Abak. Udokoh was born at
Nkek, Southern Ukanafun Clan in Ukanafun Local Government Area; he was
the National Secretary, Annang Law Students Association of Nigeria in
2008. In 2004/2005 academic year, he was the Assistant Secretary, Law
Students association of Nigeria, Uniuyo and Director of Socials, Udo
Udoma Chambers of the faculty of Law, Uniuyo. A member of the Nigerian
Bar Association and Association of Professional Negotiators and
Mediators, Udokoh plays football as his hobby.

According
to the Transition Chairman, his career objective is “to work
assiduously towards the realization of the goals of the organization and
thereby attaining professional excellence and personal development.”
Udokoh emerges an unbeatable shining star in the political firmament of
Ukanafun – a beacon of hope with giant leap to keep an appointment with
history for more and more, meritorious service to the people.